Anything I can do to fix his beak?

[lauraf]

 

[FMAFarms]

Poor baby! I'm afraid that crossed beak isn't really fixable. It's a genetic malformation, usually noticed right from hatching. You can trim the beak, but it will always grow back that way.

 

[easttxchick]

There are MANY people here on the forum that have cross-beaked birds that have gone on to live long, healthy lives.
You do have to make some provisions with food dishes and the like, but for the most part, they do very well.
Trimming, as the previous poster said, can help.
Good luck to your little one!

 

[CoffeeCow]

I have a "special" chicken too. although her beak is not nearly that bad.

you can take fingernail clippers and trim/file the beak a lot of the time. but judging from the pic you posted... that may not be an option for you. If the chick can't eat, you really should cull it. no point in letting it suffer. however if it can eat, and the beak is trimmable, you may be able to help her.

I trim Blings beak about once a month.
here she is untrimmed ( I really need to get a pic of her after a trim....)

 

[vpeterson]

Quote:
does this mean that you should not breed a bird with cross beak?

 

[CoffeeCow]

Quote:
does this mean that you should not breed a bird with cross beak?

I have a chick from Bling (pictured above) who is about 2 months old now, and she (he?) shows no signs of a crossed beak.
and, yeah i'm sure its her chick. Bling is the only girl that lays a cream colored egg

 

[FMAFarms]

Quote:
does this mean that you should not breed a bird with cross beak?

Well, according to Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens, no, you should remove any chickens with crossed beaks from your breeding stock, since the defect can be passed down to its chicks. I've never had a crossed-beak bird, and Bling looks like an exception. If you're a diehard serious breeder, then I would say no. If you do it as a hobby and for your own stock, then I would say do what you feel is right for you!

 

[CoffeeCow]

ooh, yes. I am definitely not a breeder! I just keep these for myself. I do sell a few eggs, but the flock are all pets

If you are planning on selling chicks, then definitely do not breed that one.
sorry for any confusion =/

 

[Gypsy07]

Bling's beak looks more like a ducks bill! Nice looking bird. I like her colouring. I also have a crossbeaked hen who is getting on fine in a big mixed flock and it doesn't really seem to affect her too badly. She can't peck at weeds and grass, but apart from that she's fine...